Senate Democrats discuss need for black agenda

WASHINGTON (AP) — The sole Democratic African-American senator is casting doubt on the need for a “black agenda” from the president and on its chances of passage in Congress.

Massachusetts Sen. William “Mo” Cowan says the issues concerning black Americans are the same for white Americans, though they may differ by degree. His comments were to a group of reporters, most of them African-American, at a forum arranged by Senate Democrats.

Some have criticized President Barack Obama, saying he’s not doing enough for the black community. Other senators at the forum said a “black agenda” proposal would pass the Senate, but die in the House.

Cowan is temporarily filling the seat vacated by John Kerry who is now secretary of the state. Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina also is African-American.